This is a class that gets you started reading and speaking Yiddish from the very beginning. No previous knowledge required! If you’ve always wanted to get started with Yiddish, this is the class for you. We will start with Yiddish literacy, learning to read Yiddish (in Yiddish) by learning the alphabet. By the end of the first class, you will be able to read a full sentence in Yiddish. As we progress together, cheering you on – you will learn the whole alphabet and begin to learn how to express yourself. You’ll learn all about verbs, you’ll be able to start a conversation! Talk about the things you want, the things you need.

This class takes a go light, go easy approach – with no stress, no shame. This isn’t the kind of class where you get called on (or out) or feel pressured. We can play collaborative games. The learning will be sweet, digestible and  most of all fun. We will learn about Jewish culture, history, and other wonderful mysteries! The class has a sense of humor thanks to The Simpsons, and a welcoming warm environment – perfect for newcomers to the language.  By the end of the course, you will be reading Yiddish in Yiddish, and have a a solid foundation of expression on which to build and grow as a new Yiddish speaker!

When: Each Sunday (except Rosh Hashana), Starting on August 27, ending on November 12.

10 – 11:15 a.m. PT (12:00 – 1:15 p.m. CT, 1:00 – 2:15  p.m. ET, 8:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. Israel)

12 classes: Each class runs 1 hour 15 minutes. (The last 15 minutes reserved to digestion/reflection)

Where: on Zoom

Tuition: $350 all classes.
Early Bird (before Saturday, August 12): $300 all classes.
Students: $300 all classes. In order to obtain the student discount please upload your university or college ID as a PDF, JPG or PNG file by using the form below. 

Instructor: Avi Fried

Avi Fried became enchanted with the Yiddish language in 2015.  He received his deep love of learning from Rabbi Beney Lappe, the Rosh Yeshiva of Svara (The Traditionally Radical Queer Yeshiva).  He sees himself as a kind of one person welcoming committee for Yiddish beginners since 2018.  He lives in Chicago.